Jets' Forte does positional drills, but not fully back yet

Published 4:57 pm, Sunday, August 14, 2016

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Matt Forte made a cameo appearance on the practice field for the New York Jets on Sunday and later got cheered by the fans as he walked past the crowd.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, smiling while standing in the end zone a few yards away, started clapping, too.

Forte participated in individual drills for the first time since Aug. 2 as he works his way back from a hamstring injury suffered shortly before training camp began. While he took handoffs and caught some passes with the other running backs, it still appears Forte is not close to fully participating in practice.

"I don't see him doing more each day," coach Todd Bowles said. "It's just part of his rehab process and he'll still be inside some days."

Bowles added that Forte is "still day-to-day, week-to-week," despite the fact that the regular-season opener is just four weeks away.

Forte spent his first eight NFL seasons with Chicago, establishing himself as a versatile threat out of the backfield. The Jets, who signed him to a three-year, $12 million contract in March, envision him as a lead back who also can provide a pass-catching presence for Fitzpatrick.

Because of his experience, the 30-year-old Forte might not need a full training camp to prepare for the season. But Bowles insisted he needs to see something from the running back in the next few weeks.

The Jets' next preseason game is Friday night at Washington, and Forte likely won't play. They take on the Giants on Aug. 27 for their third exhibition game, when starters typically play into the third quarter. Mostly only backups play in the preseason finale, so Forte will have limited opportunities before New York opens the regular season against Cincinnati on Sept. 11.

"He needs to practice at some point, obviously," Bowles said. "He's going to need to practice. Nobody's going to stay hurt forever and just come in and play Game 1. But he's making progress, he's got time and we'll just play it day by day."

NOTES: The Jets signed DL Jake Ceresna and RB Terry Williams. They also waived WR Anthony Kelly and announced that DL Christo Bilukidi left camp. Bowles said Bilukidi, who signed with New York last week, left Saturday without warning. "None whatsoever," Bowles said. "He was gone when we checked his room." Bilukidi is the second player to leave Jets camp, along with WR Titus Davis. "I've seen it many times," Bowles said. "This game isn't for everybody. It's a tough game. Sometimes you think about it and you decide to take off." ... DE Muhammad Wilkerson (leg) and RB Khiry Robinson (leg), both recently off the physically unable to perform list, each participated in individual drills but sat out team drills.